Torch handle including pneumatically operated jaw

ABSTRACT

Approaches herein provide a torch handle including a pneumatically controlled jaw operable to engage an electrode. In one approach, a system is provided for distributing gas within the torch handle, the system including a pneumatic cylinder within a main housing of the torch handle. The pneumatic cylinder is coupled to a shaft for actuating first and second members of the jaw. The system further includes a gas passageway through the main housing, the gas passageway extending to an exit orifice disposed within the second member. A flow controller, including first and second valves, is operable to direct a flow of a gas to either the pneumatic cylinder or the gas passageway. In one approach, the first member is actuated towards the second member when the gas is directed through the gas passageway, and actuated away from the second member when the gas is directed to the pneumatic cylinder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 15/426,598 filed on Feb. 7, 2017, entitled “TORCH HANDLEINCLUDING PENUMATICALLY OPERATED JAW,” which is a continuation-in-partof application serial no. PCT/US2015/048886 filed on Sep. 8, 2015,entitled “TORCH HANDLE INCLUDING PENUMATICALLY OPERATED JAW.” Thedisclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a gouging torch. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a gouging torch having atorch handle with a pneumatically operated jaw.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Air carbon-arc systems and processes may be used in a wide variety ofapplications, such as metal fabrication and casting finishing, chemicaland petroleum technology, construction, mining, general repair, andmaintenance. With respect to metal fabrication and casting finishing,air carbon-arc metal removing systems and processes may be used togouge, groove, cut, or flush metal from a surface.

An air carbon-arc cutting and gouging torch may operate by positioningan electrode relative to a workpiece so that an electric arc can bestruck and maintained between the electrode and the workpiece. As metalmelts under the influence of the arc, a stream of high-pressure airdirected along the electrode to the arc causes the molten metal to beforcibly removed from the influence of the arc, thus leaving a groove orgouge in the surface of the workpiece. The process can also be used tocut completely through the workpiece in the area traversed by theelectrode and the arc.

The electrodes of the gouging torch exhibit wear, however, and must beperiodically replaced. Current art approaches use manual gouging torchlevers to open and close a jaw of the torch for carbon electrodeinsertion and repositioning. This leads to operator fatigue, especiallyover a large number of cycles, as the hand gripping force necessary onthe gouging torch lever may be significant.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Exemplary approaches herein provide a torch handle including apneumatically controlled jaw operable to engage an electrode. In oneapproach, a system is provided for distributing gas within the torchhandle, the system including a pneumatic cylinder disposed within a mainhousing of the torch handle. The pneumatic cylinder may include a pistoncoupled to a shaft for actuating a first member of a jaw relative to asecond member of the jaw. The system further includes a gas passagewaythrough the main housing, the gas passageway including an exit orificedisposed within the second member of the jaw. A flow controller isoperable to control a flow of gas and direct it to either the pneumaticcylinder or the gas passageway. In one approach, the first member isactuated towards the second member when the flow of gas is directedthrough the gas passageway, and actuated away from the second memberwhen the flow of gas is directed to the pneumatic cylinder. By providinga pneumatically assisted jaw, the hand gripping force typically requiredfor operating the gouging torch lever may be greatly reduced.

An exemplary torch handle in accordance with the present disclosureincludes a main housing, and a jaw coupled to the main housing, whereinthe jaw includes a first member and a second member operable to engagean electrode. The torch handle further includes a pneumatic cylinderdisposed within the main housing, wherein the pneumatic cylinder iscoupled to an arm for actuating the first member relative to the secondmember. The torch handle further includes a gas passageway extendingthrough the main housing to an exit orifice disposed within the secondmember, and a valve assembly including a first valve operable to delivera gas to the pneumatic cylinder and a second valve operable to deliverthe gas to the gas passageway, wherein the first and second valves areoriented substantially perpendicular to one another.

An exemplary system for distributing gas within a torch handle inaccordance with the present disclosure includes a pneumatic cylinderdisposed within a main housing, the pneumatic cylinder including a shaftfor actuating a first member of a jaw relative to a second member of thejaw. The system further includes a gas passageway through the mainhousing, the gas passageway including an exit orifice disposed withinthe second member of the jaw. The system further includes a valveassembly including a first valve operable to deliver a gas to thepneumatic cylinder and a second valve operable to deliver the gas to thegas passageway, wherein the first and second valves are orientedsubstantially perpendicular to one another.

An exemplary method for operating a torch handle in accordance with thepresent disclosure includes receiving a flow of a gas at a flowcontroller of a torch handle, the flow controller including a valveassembly having first and second valves oriented substantiallyperpendicular to one another. The method further includes directing thegas to either of the following: a pneumatic cylinder disposed within amain housing of the torch handle via the second valve, wherein thepneumatic cylinder includes a shaft for actuating a first member of ajaw, and a gas passageway through the main housing via the first valve,wherein the gas passageway includes an exit orifice disposed within asecond member of the jaw. The method further includes actuating thefirst member of the jaw relative to the second member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary approaches of thedisclosed torch handle including a pneumatically operated jaw so fardevised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a torch handle according to an exemplaryapproach;

FIG. 2 is an isometric partial cutaway view of the torch handle of FIG.1 according to an exemplary approach;

FIG. 3A is a side cutaway view of the torch handle of FIG. 1 accordingto an exemplary approach;

FIG. 3B is a close-up side cutaway view of the torch handle of FIG. 1according to an exemplary approach.

FIG. 4 is an isometric semi-transparent view of a system fordistributing gas within the torch handle of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary approach;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a valve of a flow controller within thetorch handle of FIG. 1 according to exemplary approaches.

FIG. 6 -A is an isometric partial cutaway view of the torch handle ofFIG. 1 according to an exemplary approach;

FIG. 6 -B is a side cutaway view of the torch handle of FIG. 1 accordingto an exemplary approach;

FIG. 7 -A is a semitransparent, isometric partial cutaway view of thetorch handle of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary approach;

FIG. 7 -B is a semitransparent, side cutaway view of the torch handle ofFIG. 1 according to an exemplary approach; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of operating agouging torch having a torch handle with a pneumatically operated jaw.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will now proceed with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which various approaches are shown. It will beappreciated, however, that the disclosed torch handle may be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theapproaches set forth herein. Rather, these approaches are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In thedrawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, an element or operation recited in the singular andproceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as notexcluding plural elements or operations, unless such exclusion isexplicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one approach” of thepresent disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding theexistence of additional approaches that also incorporate the recitedfeatures.

Furthermore, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “central,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used hereinfor ease of describing one element's relationship to another element(s)as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatiallyrelative terms may encompass different orientations of the device in useor operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a torch handle 10 of a gouging torch accordingto exemplary embodiments will be described in greater detail. As shown,the torch handle 10 includes a main housing 14, which may include one ormore pieces assembled together and suitably shaped to be held in a handof an operator. The torch handle 10 further includes a jaw 22 coupled ata distal end 18 of the main housing 14. Although not shown, the torchhandle 10 includes a torch body disposed within the main housing 14 at aproximal end 20 thereof. In one embodiment, the torch handle 10 and thejaw are made of a heat resistant material such as a glass-filledphenolic.

In an exemplary embodiment, the jaw 22 includes a first member 24disposed opposite a second member 26. Together the first member 24 andthe second member 26 may operate to engage an electrode 30 therebetween.In exemplary embodiments, the jaw 22 may be user-controlled via a switch34 that is partially recessed within an opening 38 of the main housing14. More specifically, the switch 34 may operate with a flow controllerwithin the main housing 14 to provide pneumatically assisteduser-control of the jaw 22, as will be further described below.

In exemplary embodiments, the first member 24 includes a protrusion 32configured to make contact with the electrode 30 when the jaw 22 is in aclosed position. The second member 26 includes a nozzle 36 having agroove formed therein to receive the electrode 30. The nozzle 36 may befree to move with the movement of electrode 30. Nozzle 36 is providedwith a plurality of orifices 31 from which flows a high velocity gasstream which performs the cutting or gouging action. The pressure of gasrequired to perform the work varies, but usually this torch operatesfrom a gas source having a pressure of from about 80 to about 100 psi.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3B, the torch handle 10 according to exemplaryembodiments will be described in greater detail. As shown, the torchhandle 10 includes a pneumatic cylinder 40 disposed within the mainhousing 14. The pneumatic cylinder 40 includes a shaft 42 coupled to anarm 44 at a first end, and to a piston 46 disposed within a chamber 48at a second end. In exemplary embodiments, the piston 46 is configuredto slide within the chamber 48 in response to a flow of gas through apneumatic cylinder inlet 50. The piston 46 may include one or moreO-rings 53 extending around a circumference thereof to create a sealbetween the piston 46 and the walls of the chamber 48.

In various embodiments, the pneumatic cylinder 40 may differ inappearance, size and function depending upon the type of pneumaticcylinder employed. For example, in one embodiment, a single-actingcylinder (SAC) may use the pressure imparted by compressed air to createa driving force in one direction, while a spring is used to return thepiston 46 to its original position. In another embodiment, adouble-acting cylinder may use the force of air to move the piston 46 inboth directions. The cylinder may have two ports to allow air into thecylinder, one for outstroke and one for instroke. In yet anotherembodiment, a multi-stage, telescoping cylinder, which may be eithersingle or double-acting, incorporates a piston rod nested within aseries of hollow stages of increasing diameter. Upon actuation, thepiston rod and each succeeding stage “telescopes” out as a segmentedpiston. This allows for a longer stroke than would be achieved with asingle-stage cylinder of the same collapsed length.

As further shown, the arm 44 includes one or more slots 52 for slidablyreceiving a radial pin 54 of the shaft 42. In exemplary embodiments, thearm 44 includes a first section 60 disposed within the main housing 14,and a second section 62 coupled to the first member 24 of the jaw 22.During operation, the arm 44 may pivot about a fulcrum 58 in response tomovement of the radial pin 54 within the slot 52. For example, when theshaft 42 is urged by the piston 46 towards the distal end 18 of the mainhousing 14, the radial pin 54 is positioned at a top end the slot 52,which causes the first section 60 of the arm 44 to move downward in adirection generally transverse to the linear movement of the piston 46,and the second section 62 of the arm 44 to move upwards away from theelectrode 30. Inversely, when the shaft 42 is retracted towards theproximal end 20 of the main housing 14, the radial pin 54 is positionedat a bottom end of the slot 52, which causes the first section 60 of thearm to move upwards in the direction generally transverse to themovement of the piston 46, and the second section 62 of the arm 44 tomove downward towards the electrode 30.

In one embodiment, the torch handle 10 further includes a spring 64coupled to the arm 44 of the first member 24. As shown, the spring 64 isoriented generally perpendicular to the movement of the piston 46, whichcauses the first section 60 of the arm to be biased in the directiongenerally transverse to the movement of the piston 46, and the secondsection 62 of the arm 44 to move towards the electrode 30. During use,the spring 64 applies a light force to the first member 24 sufficientenough to secure the electrode 30 between the nozzle 36 and theprotrusion 32 when the jaw 22 is open.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-4 , a system 66 for pneumatically operatingthe jaw 22 by controlling distribution of a gas within the torch handle10 according to exemplary embodiments will be described in greaterdetail. As shown, the system 66 includes the pneumatic cylinder 40 and agas passageway 68 through the main housing 14, the gas passageway 68including one or more exit orifices 31 (FIG. 1 ) disposed within thenozzle 36 of the second member 26 of the jaw 22. During use, gas underpressure released from exit orifices 31 passes alongside the electrode30 to remove molten metal from the work surface in the area of theelectric arc. In one embodiment, each orifice 31 is oriented parallel tothe electrode 30 to maintain sufficient force and to effect the streamof gas acting on the work surface.

As shown, a supply of gas 72 for operating the torch handle 10 isdirected through the main housing 14 and received at a gas inlet 74. Thesupply of gas 72 may be compressed air, which is delivered to a flowcontroller 78 for further distribution within the torch handle 10. In anexemplary embodiment, the flow controller 78 is a valve assembly 79including a first valve 82 and a second valve 84, wherein the firstvalve 82 is disposed within a valve chamber 81 and configured to directa gas flow 73 to the pneumatic cylinder inlet 50 via the first valve 82,or to the gas passageway 68 via the second valve 84 in response to adesired torch operational mode (e.g., “gouging” or “release”) selectablevia the switch 34. In one embodiment, the torch handle 10 may alsoinclude an “OFF” mode that shuts off the supply of gas 72.

In one embodiment, in the case that the gouging mode is selected, thegas flow 73 may be directed through the gas passageway 68, whichdecreases or maintains a relatively lower pressure within the chamber48, and which slides the piston 46 towards the proximal end 20 of thetorch handle 10, thus actuating the first member 24 of the jaw 22towards the second member 26. In the case that the release mode isselected, the flow controller 78 may divert the gas flow 73 to thepneumatic cylinder 40, which directs the gas flow 73 to the chamber 48.A resultant pressure increase within the chamber 48 actuates the piston46 towards the distal end 18 of the torch handle 10, which causes thefirst member 24 to move away from the second member 26.

In some embodiments, the first valve 82 and the second valve 84 of thevalve assembly 79 are oriented perpendicular, or generallyperpendicular, to one another. That is, a lengthwise centrallongitudinal axis 57 of the first valve 82 may be perpendicular to alengthwise central longitudinal axis 59 of the second valve 84. Asshown, the lengthwise central longitudinal axis 57 is generallyperpendicular to a lengthwise axis (not shown) of the torch handle 10.By orienting one of the first valve 82 on its side relative to thesecond valve 84, the first valve 82 may be made larger, which improvesperformance of the torch handle 10 by increasing gas flow through thegas passageway 68. A larger valve oriented parallel to the lengthwisecentral longitudinal axis 59 of the second valve 84 may be impracticaldue to constraints on operator preferred handle size. In someembodiments, the first valve 82 has a length and a circumference that isgreater than a length and a circumference of the second valve 84. Thevalve assembly 79 may include a greater or fewer number of valves. Forexample, multiple valves may be substituted for the first valve 82 inalternative designs.

In some embodiments, the switch 34 may be a rocker switch including amain body 33 and a lever arm 35 extending from the main body 33, thelever arm 35 for controlling/operating each of the first and secondvalves 82, 84 of the valve assembly 79. As best shown in FIG. 3B, themain body 33 may extend outside of the main housing 14 of the torchhandle 10 for access by a user, while the lever aim 35 extends into thetorch handle, for example, perpendicular to the main body 33. The mainbody 33 may include a first end 37 and a second end 39, wherein thefirst or second ends 37, 39 may be depressed to cause the main body 33to pivot about a pin 41, controlling the gas flow 73. In someembodiments, the pin 41 may be suspended or supported by a switchsupport 43.

The switch 34 may further include a cantilever arm 45 coupled to themain housing and in direct physical contact with a stem 100-A of secondvalve 84. The cantilever arm 45 is further coupled to a first side ofthe lever arm 35. A second side of the lever arm 35 is coupled to a stem100-B of the first valve 82. During use, when the second end 39 of theswitch 34 is depressed into a first cavity 47, the lever arm 35 rotatestowards the stem 100-B of the first valve 82 and away from thecantilever arm 45. The lever arm 35 may bias the stem 100-B towards theproximal end 20 and into the first valve 82, as will be described ingreater detail below. Inversely, when the first end 37 of the switch 34is depressed into a second cavity 49, the lever arm 35 rotates towardsthe cantilever arm 45. A force applied to the free end of cantilever arm45 causes the cantilever arm 45 to rotate and bias against the stem100-A of the second valve 84, causing the stem 100-A to depress withinthe second valve 84, as will be described in greater detail below. Astem spring 51 may surround the stem 100-A of the second valve 84 toapply a spring force against the cantilever arm 45.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , operation of the first valve 82 and the secondvalve 84 of the valve assembly 79 according to an exemplary embodimentwill be described in greater detail. For the sake of simplicity, onlythe second valve 84 is shown. However, it'll be appreciated that thefirst valve 82 may operate with similar elements and in a similar way.In this embodiment, the second valve 84 represents a normally closed3-way cartridge valve having a base section 86 including an inlet 87 ata first end 89 thereof, and a central section 88 separated from the basesection 86 by an O-ring 90. As shown, the central section 88 includes aconduit 94 formed therethrough. In exemplary embodiments, the centralsection 88 and the conduit 94 are aligned with the pneumatic cylinderinlet 50 (FIGS. 3A-B). The second valve 84 further includes an uppersection 96 separated from the central section 88 by an O-ring 98, and astem 100-A disposed at a second end 101 thereof. In exemplaryembodiments, the stem 100-A is configured to change a gas flow path whendepressed and/or released. As shown, the stem 100-A may include anexhaust 102 for dispelling high pressure gas from the stem 100-A.

In exemplary embodiments, as described above, the switch 34 causes thecantilever arm 45 to engage the stem 100-A so as to cause the stem 100-Ato be recessed to a desired depth within the second valve 84. Forexample, in the case that the second valve 84 is a three-position valve,the switch 34 may recess the stern 100-A a distance DI relative to a topsurface 91 of the upper section 96. In this first position, a passage(not shown) of the stem 100 aligns with the conduit 94 in the centralsection 88 of the first valve 82, 84 to expel gas radially therefrom. Inanother position, the switch 34 may recess the stem 100-A a distance D2relative to the top surface 91 of the upper section 96 such that theexhaust 102 is recessed within the first valve 82 proximate the uppersection 96 to prevent fluid flow from the exhaust 102 and to cause thepassage of the stem to be misaligned with the conduit 94. In thisposition, gas within the second valve 84 is prevented. from beingreleased via the exhaust 102 and/or the conduit 94.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-B, further operation of the valve assembly 79according to exemplary embodiments will be described in greater detail.As shown, the valve assembly 79 includes the second valve 84 configuredto receive the supply of gas 72 through the gas inlet 74 and deliver itto the chamber 48 via the pneumatic cylinder inlet 50 for the purpose ofchanging the relative positions of the first and second members of thejaw 22, as described above. In this embodiment, the supply of gas 72passes through the gas inlet 74 and surrounds the base section 86-A ofthe second valve 84. To prevent gas from moving along an exteriorsurface of the second valve 82 toward the central section 88-A, theO-ring 90-A is provided. As shown, the O-ring 90-A forms a seal with aninterior wall of a valve chamber 83. The gas is thus directed to theinlet 87 (FIG. 5 ) where, depending on the position of the stem 100-A,it may be directed through the conduit 94-A, and then through thepneumatic cylinder inlet 50. In the case that the gas is prevented frombeing expelled through the conduit 94-A, the gas is re-directed alongthe exterior of the base section 86-A towards the first valve 82.

During operation, to direct the gas to the chamber 48, the stem 100-A isdepressed relative to the top surface 91-A of the first valve 82, and anopening (not shown) along the stem 100-A aligns with the conduit 94-A.The gas traverses an interior conduit (not shown) within the stern 100-Awhere it is expelled radially through the conduit 94-A. The gassurrounds the central section 88-A of the second valve 84, where it isconfined by the lower O-ring 90-A, the upper O-ring 98-A, and the valvechamber 83. The gas may then enter the pneumatic cylinder inlet 50,where it is delivered to the chamber 48. The resultant pressure increasewithin the chamber 48 caused by the flow of gas actuates the piston 46in a linear direction away from the second valve 84, which causes thefirst member of the jaw to move away from the second member of the jaw,for example, to allow for repositioning or replacement of the electrodebetween gouging operations.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-B, operation of the valve assembly 79 will bedescribed in greater detail. As shown, the valve assembly 79 includesthe first valve 82 configured to receive the supply of gas 72 throughthe gas inlet 74 and deliver it to the gas passageway 68 for the purposeof providing gas to the nozzle 36 (FIGS. 1-3 ), as described above. Morespecifically, gas is directed through the gas inlet 74 towards the valvechamber 81 where it surrounds the base section 86-B of the first valve82. The O-ring 90-B forms a seal with a wall of the valve chamber 81that extends around the circumference of the first valve 82 to preventthe supply of gas from flowing along the exterior of the first valve 82toward the central section 88-B. The gas may thus enter the inlet 87(FIG. 5 ) where, depending on the position of the stem 100-B, it may bedirected through the conduit 94-B. In the case that the gas is preventedfrom being expelled through the conduit 94-B, the gas is re-directedalong the exterior of the base section 86-B towards the second valve 84.

To direct the gas to the gas passageway 68, the stem 100-B is depressedrelative to the top surface 91-B of the first valve 82, and an opening(not shown) along the stem 100-B aligns with the conduit 94-B. The gastraverses an interior conduit (not shown) of the stem 100-B where it isexpelled radially through the conduit 94-B. The gas thus surrounds thecentral section 88-B of the first valve 82 where it is confined by thelower O-ring 90-B, the upper O-ring 98-B, and the valve chamber 81. Thegas may then enter an interior conduit 108 of the gas passageway 68where it is delivered to the nozzle 36 (FIGS. 1-3 ). In exemplaryembodiments, pressure within the gas passageway 68 increases due to theflow of the gas, which causes a resultant pressure decrease within thechamber 48 of the pneumatic cylinder 40. This decrease in pressureallows the piston 46 to actuate within the chamber 48 in a directiontowards the second valve 84, which causes the first member of the jaw tomove towards the second member of the jaw.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , a method 200 for operating a torch handleaccording to exemplary embodiments will be described in greater detail.Method 200 includes receiving a flow of a gas at a flow controller ofthe torch handle, as shown at block 201. In some embodiments, the gasmay be compressed air, which is provided to the flow controller via agas inlet of the torch handle. In some embodiments, the flow controlleris a valve assembly including first and second valves. In someembodiments, the first and second valves are oriented perpendicular toone another.

The method 200 further includes directing a flow of the gas to either apneumatic cylinder disposed within a main housing via a second cylinder,or a gas passageway via a first cylinder, as shown at block 203. In someembodiments, the pneumatic cylinder includes a piston have a shaftconfigured to actuate a first member of a jaw. In some embodiments, thegas passageway extends through the main housing to an exit orificedisposed within a second member of the jaw. In some embodiments, aswitch is coupled to the flow controller for allowing user-operation ofthe flow controller. In some embodiments, the shaft of the piston iscoupled to an arm, which is partially disposed within the first memberand configured to actuate the first member.

The method 200 further includes actuating the first member of the jawrelative to the second member of the jaw in response to the flow of thegas, as shown in block 205. In some embodiments, the first member isactuated towards the second member when the flow of gas is directedthrough the gas passageway, and actuated away from the second memberwhen the flow of gas is directed to the pneumatic cylinder.

As will be appreciated, it is advantageous to replace a manual leverwith a pneumatic cylinder and valve assembly, as described herein, toaid the opening and closing of the torch jaw for carbon electrodeinsertion and repositioning. Furthermore, as compressed air flows to thenozzle during a gouging process, it is advantageous to include a valveassembly, as described herein, for diverting the compressed air to thepneumatic cylinder to open the jaw. It will be further appreciated thatuse of the valve assembly and pneumatic cylinder in place of a manuallevel advantageously allows for a reduction in handle diameter, whichimproves user ergonomics and reduces user fatigue.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tocertain approaches, numerous modifications, alterations and changes tothe described approaches are possible without departing from the sphereand scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limitedto the described approaches, but that it has the full scope defined bythe language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. While thedisclosure has been described with reference to certain approaches,numerous modifications, alterations and changes to the describedapproaches are possible without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it isintended that the present disclosure not be limited to the describedapproaches, but that it has the full scope defined by the language ofthe following claims, and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A torch handle, comprising: a main housing; a jawcoupled to the main housing, the jaw including a first member and asecond member operable to engage an electrode; a pneumatic cylinderdisposed within the main housing, the pneumatic cylinder coupled to anarm for actuating the first member relative to the second member; a gaspassageway extending through the main housing to an exit orificedisposed within the second member; and a valve assembly including afirst valve operable to deliver a gas to the pneumatic cylinder and asecond valve operable to deliver the gas to the gas passageway, whereinthe first and second valves are oriented substantially perpendicular toone another.
 2. The torch handle of claim 1, further comprising a gasinlet for delivering a supply of the gas to the valve assembly.
 3. Thetorch handle of claim 1, wherein the first valve has a length and acircumference greater than a length and a circumference of the secondvalve.
 4. The torch handle of claim 1, further comprising a switchcoupled to the valve assembly for providing user-operation of the jaw,the switch comprising: a main body; and a lever arm extending from themain body, the lever arm in direct physical contact with at least one ofthe first and second valves.
 5. The torch handle of claim 4, wherein themain body extends partially outside of the main housing for access by auser, and wherein while the lever arm extends into an interior of thetorch handle.
 6. The torch handle of claim 4, the switch furthercomprising a cantilever arm coupled to the main housing, wherein thecantilever arm is in direct physical contact with a stem of the secondvalve, and wherein rotation of the cantilever arm actuates the stem ofthe second valve.
 7. The torch handle of claim 1, the pneumatic cylindercomprising: a piston within a chamber; and a pneumatic cylinder inletfor delivering the gas to the chamber.
 8. The torch handle of claim 1,the arm comprising a slot for slidably receiving a shaft of thepneumatic cylinder.
 9. The torch handle of claim 1, further comprising aspring coupled to the arm of the first member.
 10. The torch handle ofclaim 8, wherein the arm includes a first section disposed within themain housing and a second section coupled to the first member, the slotof the arm being disposed. on the first section.
 11. The torch handle ofclaim 10, wherein the arm is configured to pivot about a fulcrumdisposed between the first section and the second section.
 12. The torchhandle of claim 1, wherein the second member includes a nozzlecomprising a plurality of orifices.
 13. The torch handle of claim 12,wherein the nozzle further comprises a groove configured to receive theelectrode.
 14. The torch handle of claim 13, wherein the nozzle isconfigured to move with movement of the electrode.
 15. The torch handleof claim 13, wherein the first member includes a protrusion configuredto contact the electrode received by the groove of the nozzle when thefirst member is in a closed. position.
 16. A method comprising:receiving a flow of a gas at a flow controller of a torch handle, theflow controller including a valve assembly having first and secondvalves oriented perpendicular to one another; directing the gas toeither of the following: a pneumatic cylinder disposed within a mainhousing of the torch handle via the second valve, wherein the pneumaticcylinder includes a shaft for actuating a first member of a jaw, and agas passageway through the main housing via the first valve, wherein thegas passageway includes an exit orifice disposed within a second memberof the jaw; and actuating the first member of the jaw relative to thesecond member.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising actuatingthe first member towards the second member when the flow of the gas isdirected through the gas passageway, and actuating the first member awayfrom the second member when the flow of the gas is directed to thepneumatic cylinder.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprisingcoupling the shaft of the pneumatic cylinder to an arm partiallydisposed within the first member.
 19. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising providing control of the flow controller using a switchcoupled to the main housing of the torch handle, the switch comprising:a main body extending partially outside of the main housing foractuation by a user; and a lever arm extending from the main body,wherein the lever arm extends into an interior of the torch handle, andwherein the lever arm is in direct physical contact with at least one ofthe first and second valves.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising adjusting a position of a stem within the first valve tocontrol delivery of the gas to the pneumatic cylinder, and adjusting aposition of a stem within the second valve to control delivery of thegas to the gas passageway.